Sara's+letter

April 30, 1865 Dear Mom Dad Matt and Tim,

I am safe do not worry. I survived the Civil War and it was a bloody war, definitely. Then because I was so far from home I had to go on a ship called the Sultana to come home. The shipping company put six times as many passengers so the ship exploded. When I got hurled in the water I looked back at the ship and I saw the gleaming, massive fire and the water was freezing cold. It was hard to swim because I got shot in the leg during the battle and it felt num because the water was ice cold. The ship did not have any lifeboats or life vests. But I am alright about 10 miles away from where the explosion happened a man carried me out of the river because he was working and he was tired of cutting lumber so he brought me to the city

I went to the doctor when I got to the city. The doctor took out the bullet and now my leg is wrapped and I am using crutches they say I might need to stay a couple more days. I will try to come home but it is hard to walk so I might have to get on a train which is very hard to get out here because everyone is trying to get home so quickly and I do not want to get hurt again. I miss you and I am trying to come home as soon as possible. Love you. Love, Sara

May 17, 1865

Dear Sara,

That is depressing to hear, we wish that never happened. We were worried that you didn't get back on time, but we are happy you are safe. We heard about the Sultana in the newspaper we all thought of you. We all cried because we thought you had died on the ship. We are so happy to hear from you and know that you are alive and wish that you will heal and get better. Don't try to get here too fast; you might hurt your leg more. We are all sorry for this catastrophe and we hate that greedy idiot guy that got the idea to put six times as many passengers on the ship! He must have put at least 2,000 people on the ship!!! It is like the Titanic all over again! Did the bullet hit the bone and hurt it? That must of hurt allot, way did you not tell us about your leg when it happened you know that we care.

When you say it was a bloody war what do you mean? Did many of your friends die? Did the shipping company get in trouble for doing that? If not they are definitely going to be sewed!! How did the ship explode? Did the amount of passengers burn out the boilers? How did you survive the impact of hitting the water, are you not telling us something! You know it will not hurt our feelings if you hurt another part of your body but, it will now because you did not tell us. Did the man who saved you tell you his name? If he did please tell us. If you can't get here we will go there. Just respond saying you can't come and we will be there for you.

Which hospital are you at and where is it? Was taking the bullet out of your leg painful? As your parent I am __telling__ you to stay for a week at least! Don't go on a train you might get pushed and fall and hurt yourself even more. We all would hate for you to get injured! You should travel in a week so everyone is gone so it will be easier to travel. Rowley and Gypse are whining so much because you have been gone so long.

Currently we are home in New York. We sent you a package with this letter in that package is food for a month and $20.50. We are also sending you your blanket. Get whatever you want with the money. We also put in $10 more for a horse so you don’t have to hike. We were glad to hear from you and know that you are safe. We all wish you happy traveling and good luck! Hope you get home soon!!

Love, Mom, Dad, Matt, and Tim